The Leafs are taking a cautious approach with Auston Matthews. As for Matthews, the Leafs simply won’t rush him back for tough games against the Lightning and the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Matthews has missed nine games with a separated shoulder, and the team has gone 5-2-2 in his absence, winning its last four. Matthews has been out less than a month, and could use one or two more heavy practices before being fully ready to return. Right now I feel very good and I'm happy to be here.” Asked when he might return, Zaitsev said, “It's not for me to say.

Source: thestar March 19, 2018 22:18 UTC